Manchester University Vice-Chancellor Advocates for REF Overhaul: A Critical Look at Research Assessment
The University of Manchester's Vice-Chancellor, Duncan Ivison, has sparked a debate by suggesting that scrapping the Research Excellence Framework (REF) should be a serious consideration. In an interview with Research Professional News, Ivison questioned the REF's usefulness, citing its bureaucratic nature and the potential for more efficient alternatives.
Ivison's stance is particularly notable given his position as a leader at a Russell Group university. He argues that while the REF serves a purpose, it may not be the most effective method for assessing research quality. This perspective is further supported by the recent decision in Australia to scrap its equivalent program after a 2020 review, during which Ivison held a senior role at the University of Sydney.
The REF, which distributes approximately £2 billion in quality-related funding annually, has been a subject of scrutiny. Ivison highlights the nervousness among research-intensive university leaders regarding the potential withdrawal of quality-related research funding (QR). He suggests that the REF's role in validating research quality might be overstated, especially in fields like the humanities and creative arts, which may not rely heavily on citations or journal impact.
One potential solution, according to Ivison, lies in the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) tools. Research from the University of Bristol indicates that many universities are already using AI to prepare REF submissions, though the extent of its implementation varies. Ivison envisions a future where the REF becomes less bureaucratic and more technology-driven, but emphasizes the need for confidence in AI's ability to provide nuanced assessments in areas less reliant on traditional citation metrics.
The full interview with Duncan Ivison will be published on February 11th by Research Professional News, offering further insights into this controversial topic. The discussion around the REF's future is likely to continue, as the academic community grapples with the balance between maintaining research quality and streamlining assessment processes.
